Reputation: Local Michigan event.
[01]
Course Overview
Uncle John's Gravel Race. 50 miles of gravel through St Johns.
50 mi
Distance
2,000 ft
Elevation
St Johns, Michigan
Location
September 13, 2026
Date
~50
Field Size
$50-75
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / Chris Bright
Photo: YouTube / Chris BrightMichigan rolling gravel.
Signature challenge: Michigan rolling terrain.
15
MILE
Early Rolling
First rolling sections.
25
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
40
MILE
Late Rolling
Final rolling sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Final climb
Super steep grassy hill at the finish that was wet from rain. Multiple riders had to get off their bikes and walk up this hill.
Flying rocks section MI 32.5
Rocks were flying and hitting riders. One hit a rider in the eye and another broke a GoPro off the handlebar mount.
Sand sections in the apple orchard during neutral rollout that riders described as tricky.
Wet grassy hill at the finish was extremely steep and forced many riders to dismount and walk.
[04]
From the Field
The race ended up being closer to 26 miles so that was our bad for not actually looking at the race route prior to beginning. Neither of us realize that the end was up this super steep grassy Hill that was wet from rain.
Chris Bright · 810 views
Really really well organized race a lot of good Riders good support good food at the end definitely on our repeat list for next year. 450 Riders out there today our largest field yet as this race gets popular and popular every year.
Chris Bright · 810 views
450 Riders out there today, our largest field yet as this race gets popular and popular every year 7th annual 2022 Uncle John Day
Chris Bright · 810 views
Both races started with a neutral lap so we had a car in front keeping us at about 12 miles an hour until we got out of the apple orchard and onto the road proper
Chris Bright · 810 views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Uncle John's Gravel Race? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
September 13, 2026 UNCLE JOHN'S GRAVEL RACE
[08]
Train for Uncle John's Gravel Race
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
3
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
5
Technical
4
Heat
1
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
FREE
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Lansing (LAN) 30 minutes
Lodging
St Johns has good lodging options.
Food
St Johns has full dining options. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
Check the race route pre-race - the actual distance can differ from advertised. The 24 mile race was closer to 26 miles.
Line up with the 22 plus mph group if that matches your ability, rather than being conservative with positioning at the start.
Important to make the early split during neutral rollout to stay with the lead group.
[10]
Tire Picks
38mmMIXED
1
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
2
Vittoria Terreno Mix
Graphene versatility. Mixed-terrain grip with reasonable rolling speed.
3
Continental Terra Trail
excellent wet grip
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Specialized Pathfinder Pro 38mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Similar Races
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Uncle John's Gravel Race?
September weather ranged from 43°F at the start to above 55°F during racing, with building crosswinds that Sheri described as battling "Gale, who was working overtime with her evil sister Windy." Previous days had seen 20-30 mph winds, making race day conditions relatively favorable. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[1]
How are the logistics for Uncle John's Gravel Race?
Uncle John's Cider Mill provides centralized start/finish with Saturday pre-race party including "early packet pickup, free camping, live band, food trucks" and Sunday neutral start led by race director Dan Frazier in his jeep. Rural Michigan location means longer drives from major airports but eliminates urban traffic complications.[1]
How adventurous is Uncle John's Gravel Race?
The course winds through the "wooded Saginaw/Gratiot Game Area" before emerging into agricultural corridors. Riders finish "through corn fields and apple orchards for the final leg," but the 99% dirt road format prioritizes speed over wilderness exploration in managed recreation areas.[1]
How prestigious is Uncle John's Gravel Race?
Part of the Michigan Gravel Race Series with a regional reputation as one of "the fastest gravel races in Michigan." Sheri compared the relaxed start to "dealing with 1700 aggressive racers at Unbound Gravel," highlighting the local rather than national competitive scope.[1]
Should I race Uncle John's Gravel Race?
If you're local to Michigan—yes, it's good value. If you're traveling—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Route Maps RideWithGPS: Uncle John's Dirty Ride 24 mile gravel road race.ridewithgps.com/routes/25106337
- Other Sources Ilovegravelracingilovegravelracing.com/event/uncle-johns-gravel-race/
- Other Sources Sunflowersandpedalssunflowersandpedals.com/2025/09/16/gravel-racing-at-uncle...
- Other Sources Unclejohnsgravelraceunclejohnsgravelrace.com/details/
- Other Sources Unclejohnsgravelraceunclejohnsgravelrace.com/events/
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/7928/uncle-johns-grav...
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=zt1I5Ld1ULQ
- Community lmb.org: Uncle Johns Dirty Ridelmb.org/ride-calendar/uncle-johns-dirty-ride/